How to subtract in Google Sheets: formula and examples

When you need to subtract values in Google Sheets, you have several options in terms of methods. In addition to using the minus sign, you can also use the MINUS and SUM functions to subtract. All three can be used by typing the values or using cell references, and they work with dates as well as with numbers. Additionally, you can combine these methods with the ARRAYFORMULA function to subtract a number from a range of cells or subtract the values in one column from those in another column.

In this guide, you will learn three different methods of subtracting values and cells in Google Sheets. You have step-by-step instructions on how to use the minus sign, the MINUS function, and the SUM function to subtract values. Additionally, you have examples using different types of values, like numbers and dates, as well as examples of subtracting multiple cells and entire columns.

Is there a formula in Google Sheets to subtract?

The MINUS function in Google Sheets can be used to subtract one value from another. The function syntax is MINUS(value1, value2), where value2 will be subtracted from value1. For example, to subtract 3 from 9, you can use the following: MINUS(9, 3) = 6.

How to subtract numbers or cells in Google Sheets: 3 ways

There are three main ways to subtract values in Google Sheets: the minus sign, the MINUS function, and the SUM function.

How to use the minus sign for subtraction?

Follow the steps below to subtract numerical values using the minus sign. You can also use cell references if you prefer.

1. In an empty cell, type the equal sign and the value from which you want to subtract (minuend).

2. Add the minus sign, then the value you want to subtract (subtrahend).

3. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

How to use the MINUS function for subtraction?

Follow the steps below to use the MINUS function to subtract cells. In the following examples, I will use cell references instead of hardcoding the values into the formulas.

1. Type the values you want to subtract into separate cells.

2. Type the equal sign followed by the MINUS function in an empty cell.

3. Select the cell with the minuend, followed by a comma, then the cell with the subtrahend.

4. Close the parenthesis and press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

How to use the SUM function for subtraction?

Follow the steps below to subtract cells with numerical values using the SUM function.

1. In an empty cell, type the equal sign followed by the SUM function.

2. Select the cell with the minuend as the first parameter, followed by a comma.

3. After the comma, type in the minus sign before the subtrahend and close the parenthesis.

4. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

How do I subtract dates in Google Sheets?

You can subtract dates using the methods shown above to get the difference in days. However, you can also use the DATEDIF function to access more options in terms of units.

1. In separate cells, type the end date and the start date you want to subtract from it.

2. In an empty cell, type the equal sign and select the cell with the end date, which is the minuend in this case.

3. Add the minus sign and select the start date as the subtrahend.

4. Press ‘Enter’ to see the result.

5. The MINUS function can also be used to get the difference between the dates.

6. The SUM function is the third method you can use to subtract these dates.

7. Finally, you can also use DATEDIF for this purpose.

How do I subtract multiple cells in Google Sheets?

To subtract a number from a range of cells, use the MINUS function together with the ARRAYFORMULA function. Type the ARRAYFORMULA function, followed by the MINUS function. Select the range of cells as the first parameter, followed by a comma and the value or cell reference you want to subtract.

1. Type the values you want to use as minuends into separate cells. In another cell, type the subtrahend.

2. In an empty cell, type the ARRAYFORMULA function, followed by the MINUS function.

3. Select the cells containing the minuend values, followed by a comma.

4. Select the cell with the subtrahend.

5. Close both parentheses and press ‘Enter’ to see the results.

How do I subtract columns in Google Sheets?

Follow the steps below to subtract the values in one column from the values in another column with one formula by combining the minus sign or the MINUS function with the ARRAYFORMULA function.

1. Open the spreadsheet with your columns of values.

2. In an empty cell, type the ARRAYFORMULA function followed by the MINUS function.

3. Select the column with the minuends followed by a comma.

4. Select the column with the subtrahends.

5. Close both parentheses and press ‘Enter’ to see the results.

Conclusion

There are different methods you can use to subtract values in Google Sheets: the minus sign, the MINUS function, and the SUM function. You know you can type the values directly into the formula or use references to the cells containing your values. You can also use these methods to subtract full dates to get the difference in days.

However, if you need more unit options, you also know you can use the DATEDIF function instead. Finally, you also know that by combining any of these methods with the ARRAYFORMULA function, you can subtract a value from multiple cells at the same time or subtract the values in one column from those in another column using a single formula.

For the other basic operations, see how to add two numbers and how to divide in Google Sheets.

To scale a whole column by one number or multiply two columns row by row, here’s how to multiply in Google Sheets.